Alexandria Police Arrest Suspect in Death of Critical Missing Adult

Page updated on October 28, 2026 at 3:16 PM
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Statement by Tarrick McGuire, Chief of Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2026

Alexandria Police Arrest Suspect in Death of Critical Missing Adult

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Alexandria Police Department has arrested John Stremple III, 63, of Alexandria, and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Joshua Cochran, 44. Stremple was booked into the Alexandria Detention Center on October 28, 2026.

Alexandria Police Department graphic featuring a booking photo labeled “John Stremple, 63,” a resident of Alexandria. Text reads: “Suspect in Critical Missing Person Homicide” and “Charge: Second Degree Murder.”

Reported as a missing person on Monday, October 26, Cochran was elevated to a critical missing status on Tuesday, October 27, based on information provided by family members. Detectives and members of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Search and Rescue Team searched Dora Kelley Nature Park Tuesday evening as part of the investigation.

As detectives pursued additional leads, financial transaction records and security camera footage helped investigators establish Cochran’s activity and identify an individual seen with him. These technological resources provided important investigative leads that helped detectives advance the case.

Detectives subsequently responded to an Alexandria residence, where they located Cochran deceased inside an apartment. His next of kin has been notified.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 703-746-4444.